Oppenheimer Festival 2025: Experience the Town That Changed the World
Los Alamos transforms this August into a living museum of science, history, and reflection during the third annual Oppenheimer Festival—featuring film, VR, tours, and a special talk with Charles Oppenheimer. Join us August 16–31 to walk where history happened.
Los Alamos, New Mexico—once shrouded in secrecy as “The Hill” during the Manhattan Project—will open itself to the world this August for a two-week cultural transformation: the Oppenheimer Festival.
Now in its third year, this one-of-a-kind experience returns August 16–31, 2025, turning the town into a dynamic crossroads of history, science, film, and civic reflection. Named New Mexico’s Best New Experience by the Top HAT Awards, the festival exemplifies how cultural tourism can help small towns honor their past while sparking meaningful community dialogue about legacy, ethics, and innovation.
A Festival Rooted in Place—and Purpose
Produced by the independently restored SALA Event Center, the Oppenheimer Festival invites visitors to engage deeply with the people, places, and legacies that shaped the atomic age. It’s not just about what happened here—it’s about what still echoes.
Through a curated series of films, historical tours, VR storytelling, and live panels, the festival connects the legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer to larger questions of war, peace, ethics, innovation, and identity.Its 2025 theme—Peace. Legacy. Explore.—frames the programming as a journey through remembrance, resilience, and rediscovery.
Highlights from the 2025 Program
Road to The Hill (Self-Guided Audio Tour)
A 45-minute GPS-triggered drive from Santa Fe to Los Alamos transforms into a mobile storytelling experience. Through eight key stops, visitors listen to narratives about Pueblo lands, secret crossings, and the historical landscape that gave rise to The Hill.
A Special Talk with Charles Oppenheimer
In a rare recorded interview, Charles Oppenheimer, grandson of J. Robert Oppenheimer, shares personal reflections on his family legacy. The talk is paired with a live panel featuring local historians and special guests.
First We Bombed New Mexico
This acclaimed documentary screens on August 24, followed by a community dinner and conversation with co-producer Lois Lipman and survivor-advocate Tina Cordova, highlighting the multigenerational impact of the Trinity test.
Spy Tour: Secrets of the Hill
A walking tour led by the Los Alamos Historical Society on Tuesdays and Thursdays, tracing real espionage stories that unfolded in plain sight during the Manhattan Project.
The Manhattan Series (Daily Screenings)
A walking tour led by the Los Alamos Historical Society on Tuesdays and Thursdays, tracing real espionage stories that unfolded in plain sight during the Manhattan Project.
The Most Brilliant Human Mind (August 30)
A new international documentary about John von Neumann, father of digital computing and a key Manhattan Project scientist. Featuring post-film discussion with the filmmakers and scientists from Sweden and Hungary.
Dr. Strangelove – National Theatre Live (August 23)
A bold and darkly comedic stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film, presented by National Theatre Live and starring seven-time BAFTA winner Steve Coogan in multiple roles. A rare theatrical experience in Los Alamos.
Why It Matters—And Why Now
The Oppenheimer Festival doesn’t shy away from complexity. It brings visitors face to face with stories of scientific triumph and moral reckoning. At a time when global conflict and technological acceleration dominate headlines, Los Alamos offers a timely space for learning, reflection, and dialogue.
Strategically timed to align with Santa Fe Indian Market (Aug 16–17) and Zozobra (Aug 29), and located near Bandelier and Valles Caldera National Parks, the festival also plays a smart role in regional travel planning—offering depth and storytelling in a place already rich with natural and cultural beauty.
Built by Community
The restored SALA Event Center—once an abandoned theater—is now a vibrant cultural venue powered by SALA members. What was once a movie house has become a community gathering space, bringing events like this festival to life.
With partners like the Los Alamos Historical Society, LANet, the festival is not just about history—it’s made by those who carry it forward.
Plan Your Visit
Dates: August 16–31, 2025
Location: SALA Event Center and Historic Los Alamos
More Info: oppenheimerfestival.com
